Gear Setup

I just lashed up my TrueTrac, and must admit, I absolutely HATE shimming behind the inner bearing race. Thankfully I got it right the 2nd time, because my Yukon gear install kit only had 2 oil retainer plate things and they get mangled on the way out. Also thankfully, they provide a healthy supply of shims.

Anyone lash the standard cut Danas with shims behind the inner pinion bearing?

 

I think you mean the inner bearing, right? I too have had issues with destroying the oil slinger when setting pinion depth on the Dana axles. I ordered something like 10 last time I got some diff parts from Randy's just for that reason.

I made some setup bearings using a brake hone and electrical drill for a couple of different axles. This really helps speed the process up.

When setting up my AMC Model 20 for my '79 CJ-5 the original style setup shims were not available. They actually came with shims to go behind the inner bearing RACE in the housing. This seems like it could work with Dana axles as well so that once you put the oil slinger on the pinion with the bearing you could at least reduce pinion depth by shimming the race.

 

I've re-geared a half dozen D30's and D44's and have only seen pinion depth shims used under the inner bearing race. I don't install the oil slinger as I have yet to see one installed on an original Early CJ axle.

 

This was a NT D30 from a 79. Yukon shipped and recommended the use of the slinger, so I installed the slinger and final pressed the inner bearing and was done on the pinion itself.

The reason I ask is two-fold. This is standard cut, so I assume the slinger does very little, and shimming the race is a pita. It destroys shims and oil retainers with every attempt.

I have a setup race and bearings, which this would be a horrible task without (or require the neat depth gauges and such). It got me pretty darn close, so the second time, it was dead on.

I'm spoiled from the ChryCo axles lol

 

Machining or carefully grinding the outside of the inner drive pinion race will allow you to slip fit it into the carrier without ruining the shims or shield for setup purposes.

 

BTDT Works very well.

 

I got lazy and bought the setup race from ECGS lol. It got me close enough to get it set on the second try. I still torched 3 shims and a oil retainer, though.

It's just an annoying process after having setup chryco axles and seeing how they did the pinion. I was just wondering if anyone went off the reservation a little.

 

I am half tempted to see if this is something I can accomplish. Any special tools needed other than a torque wrench and some sort of paint. Some sort of manual with details of all involved? Oh just checked some of my other searches. I may of found it.

 

You will get a different list from everyone who replies, but I would say my minimum, sane, tool list is (besides basic tools):

Shop press
Bearing puller
Dial indicator
Torque wrench
Marking compound (they never give you enough)
YouTube
Punch set (with at least one BIG one)

I also wouldn't do another gear setup without setup bearing/race set for the axle type.

Keep in mind, the shorter your tool list, the harder, and potentially error prone, the job. I'm sure someone will say they McGuyver'd the job with a toothpick and a pop can, but if you want a sane process and expected success, I'd get at least what I listed. GL

 

Add to the list an inch pound torque wrench to set pinion preload. I'd definitely make or buy setup carrier bearings if you don't have the bad boy carrier bearing puller.

 

So something like this might be the most expansive tool to start with.

Carrier Bearing Puller Kit for Dana 30 35 44 60 70 80, Ford 10.25 & 10.5" | eBay

 

I wouldnt bother doing a rebuild without a good bearing puller of that style.